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Asked about the player’s current status, Karanka said: “He knew when he decided to stay here that it was going to be a difficult season for him because I told him (he could leave) but he decided to stay here and now the only way he can play games is with the Under-23s.

“It’s good because he is playing, his attitude is really good, he scored a goal this week so it’s always about the attitude and his attitude is really good.”

Karanka admitted that several players were offered the opportunity to join new clubs in the summer, adding: “He (de Pena) wasn’t the only one who had the opportunity to leave and they decided to stay and I have to respect that because they have a contract”

Carlos de Pena in action for Boro U23s vs Aston Villa

On the subject of de Pena making a first team return, Karanka said: “For this game, no, but if I have a few injuries or if I need to change something and he’s training well and he’s playing well with the Under-23s; everybody who is training with us has his chance.”

When he arrived, de Pena was expected to play on the left of an attacking midfield trio that included Stewart Downing in the No10 position.

But it took the South American longer than expected to settle in England, largely due to personal issues off the pitch.

Karanka was commendably honest when asked for the reasons why the move hasn’t worked as planned admitting on-field results influenced his selection policy this time last year.

He said: “I think always you need time, especially coming from South American football.

“And, to be honest, I thought I was going to have more chances to use him last season but when he came we were not winning the games in a comfortable way and I was expecting to win the games easier because we had the quality to do that.